ROK FM: Ivanka may discuss US-DPRK talks plan during visit

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Diplomatic efforts to arrange rare talks between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) could be part of the topics of discussion when Ivanka Trump visits the Republic of Korea (ROK) and talks with officials this week, the ROK Foreign Ministry hinted Tuesday, according to Yonhap News.

Asked if exploratory contact between Washington and Pyongyang ahead of their potential talks to negotiate DPRK's denuclearization would be discussed during Ivanka's trip to the ROK, Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk said affirmatively, "Issues of mutual interest could naturally be on the table during the process of the visit."

"The upcoming visit by adviser Ivanka is intended to celebrate the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Olympics and highlight the mutual understanding of the ROK-US alliance," the spokesman said.

The ministry is currently reviewing the role Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will be playing in regard to the visit by the daughter of US President Donald Trump, he also added.

Ivanka Truamp attends a meeting hosted by US President Donald Trump and local officials about his infrastructure initiative in the State Room of the White House in Washington, DC, February 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ivanka is set to arrive in Seoul on Friday to attend the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics on Sunday.

Ivanka's detailed itinerary in the ROK is currently under discussion and will be released by the US side, he noted.

DPRK's participation in the Olympics and related talks with the ROK ahead of the event have opened up a rare opportunity to engage with the reclusive country after its several intercontinental ballistic missile test launches escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

But the prospect of the much-needed talks on DPRK's denuclearization remains uncertain with both Washington and Pyongyang appear not ready to make concessions.